GARY Pallister believes Roy Keane was one of Manchester United`s greatest players and paid tribute to the Irishman who has announced his retirement from football.
The 34-year-old made the decision to retire on medical advice following a career spanning 17 years starting at Cobh Ramblers before taking in Nottingham Forest, United and Celtic.
Pallister played alongside Keane at Old Trafford for five years until his own departure in 1998.
He told Sky Sports News: "I think he is the closest thing to Bryan Robson I've ever seen, you would probably have to put them on a par.
"They were both terrific players for United and if you want to go into a battle they're the type of people you want alongside you.
"He made the game seem so easy, his passing, the energy levels he had and even after his cruciate injury he still inspired his team and his team-mates."
Inspiration
The former central defender described Keane as an inspiration who galvanised both team-mates and fans alike.
"He amazed everybody. He was a fantastic player, a leader, an inspiration. When things were going tough he was the one the players and the fans looked to to spark things into life.
"None more so than at Juventus in the European Cup when he scored that header that inspired them on to win the trophy. Of course he missed out on the final itself and that is probably one of his biggest regrets but the fans and the players alike will remember him for the player he was on the pitch."
The 41-year-old, who went to Middlesbrough after his United career came to an end, admitted Keane was a no-nonsense person who spoke his mind without thought of consequence.
"He spoke his mind. That might have caused the ructions with Sir Alex (Ferguson) at the end but he set his own standards, he wanted players to follow those standards on the football pitch and if people fell below them he was there to give them a rocket.
"He did it on several occasions. He also had a go at the fans with the prawn sandwich brigade. That was just the kind of guy he was, he said it how he felt, he didn't shirk anything and time and again it probably got him into trouble but that was just the type of guy he was."
Was Keane as good as Robson? Have your say.
Comments
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Its a very silly question. They were different players with different strengths.
The main thing is they were both great leaders for Manchester United both on and off the field and will have the undying thanks from the fans for their achievements.
Keanes was always right.. Especially on the sandwich brigade story... Old trafford its magic in 1999 when we won the cl... its true isnt it?? I hate MUFCS home games... Prefer CL-AWay games--- Sad story ...
ROY, thanks for the memories. you have given us all great incidents to mull over and catalog. now you will be enshrined in our man utd pantheon, as you deserve. may you go on to achieve as much success in your future endeavors.
red tom cl away games surely you must only prefer it for the craic. when was the last time we had a result away from home in cl. most games we set our stall out not to get beat and not go out and win. i have been to over 30 away games in europe in the past but wont be wasting my money this next season unless i see some real evidence that we are trying to actually win a game
Cannot compare the two players. Both outstanding leaders on the pitch. Who ever they get to replace Keane, will have a hard act to follow. Keane and Robson can be mentioned in the same breath with distinction. Robson, Keane and ???????, only time will tell.